24 injured as town's honey bees go on the rampage
The incident lasted only half an hour, but one victim, aged 78, was stung 25 times. Police had to set up a safety perimeter while firefighters were called in to help the injured. Three had to be taken to hospital.
The unusual attack in Aurillac, southern France, may have been caused by the presence of the Asian hornet. This large insect is an invasive species that feeds on honeybees and can destroy entire colonies. Twenty-four people were injured and three were left in a critical condition in a French town after hundreds of honey bees suddenly turned aggressive. Pic: Getty Images
Pierre Mathonier, mayor of Aurillac, Southern France, told TV that hornets may have been threatening hives installed on the roof of a town centre hotel. He said this was likely to have made the bees more aggressive.
'The emergency services were perfectly co-ordinated,' he said.
Fire chief Michel Cayla said he had never experienced such an attack. 'In terms of the number of victims, panic among the people and the severity of some injuries, it was impressive,' he said.
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